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Cost of Living in Los Alamos County

Is it better to rent or buy in Los Alamos County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$146,078
$1,361/mo

Median in area: $1,361

$492,240

Median in area: $492,240

$98,448

If you Rent

🔑
$1,528 /mo
Base Rent$1,361
Est. Utilities$167
% of Income12.6%
Pre-tax Residual$10,645

If you Buy

🏠
$3,087 /mo
P&I (6.924%)$2,600
Taxes & Ins$320
Est. Utilities$167
% of Income25.4%
Pre-tax Residual$9,086

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Los Alamos County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyRio Arriba County, NM
$783/mo
countySanta Fe County, NM
$1,457/mo
countySandoval County, NM
$1,480/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Los Alamos County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Los Alamos County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,528, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,087 per month (a difference of $1,559).

How much do utilities cost in Los Alamos County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Los Alamos County is approximately $167. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Los Alamos County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Los Alamos County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $61,120 per year.